First edition of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, released May 9, 1950, remained on the New York Times bestseller list for 28 consecutive weeks that year. The book led to the formation of more than 750 Dianetics groups across the country.

     Without question Dianetics was a landmark event. In what would prove a telling prediction, then-national columnist Walter Winchell proclaimed: “There is something new coming up in April called Dianetics. A new science which works with the invariability of physical science in the field of the human mind. From all indications, it will prove to be as revolutionary for humanity as the first caveman’s discovery and utilization of fire.”

“The impact of ‘Dianetics’ means the world will never be the same again. History has become a race between Dianetics and catastrophe. ‘Dianetics’ will win if enough people are challenged, in time, to understand it.” Frederick L. Shuman Professor, Williams College

     If Winchell’s statement was bold, it was nonetheless accurate; for with Dianetics came the first definitive explanation of human thinking and behavior. Then, too, with Dianetics came the first means to resolve the problems of the human mind, including unwanted sensations, emotions, irrationalities and psychosomatic ills.